Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Mikey Fogarty returns to the saddle at Galway

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Mikey Fogarty, who walked away from the sport at the age of 27, is set to return to race-riding at Galway on Tuesday after an absence of almost two years.

Fogarty's finest hour in the saddle came when he guided Don Poli to victory in the 2014 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, but he cited a desire to pursue other interests when quitting the game in December 2017.

However, having spent some time travelling and playing other sports, Fogarty, who has ridden 140 winners in his career, believes the time is right for a return.

He explained: "I'm back around for the winter, and why not? I wanted a break from it and I'm ready to come back now.

Mikey Fogarty: surprised the racing world by announcing his retirement from race-riding at the age of 27Credit: Alain Barr

"I went to Australia last winter, rode out there and did a bit of travelling up the coast. I came back for the hurling and football this summer but I've been riding out."

Fogarty added: "I never really left horses, to be honest. I'll see what happens and we'll take it each day at a time.

"We'll see how it goes. I’m not attached to any yard, but I ride out at home and for a couple of other places as well, including for Willie Mullins one morning a week."

Fogarty's return mount will be aboard Iridescent in the opening maiden hurdle at Galway (2.05) for trainer and brother Jonathan Fogarty. He also partners Rainy Night Insoho in the beginners' chase (4.15).

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